Telemedicine in the Surgical Disciplines

In acute care surgery, regional trauma centers and the American College of Surgeons Committee of Trauma (COT) have worked to address the fundamental challenge of patient stabilization at remote referring facilities, followed by timely patient transfers. However, limitations with patient transport still exist because of adverse weather and lack of emergency vehicles or logistics for emergent transport, demanding ongoing patient care at the originating site. Integration of telemedicine protocols in regional trauma systems has been shown to be effective in facilitating appropriate and timely patient transfers and helps improve the efficacy of resuscitative care in critical-access facilities. Telemedicine has also been shown to be an effective means of service delivery for preoperative, operative and postoperative consultations, reducing time and cost barriers for patients living in remote areas and improving adherence to treatment plans. This increased continuity of care promotes positive outcomes and reduces preventable hospital admissions. Telemedicine also plays a role in surgical education, preceptorship, and mentorship, as well as continuing medical education and multidisciplinary conferences.